YOUR RIVER CRUISE DOSSIER PARIS & THE ROMANTIC SEINE VALLEY TRIP OVERVIEW Beginning in one of the world s most beautiful cities, set sail from Paris along the serene Seine river for an eight day cruise, passing some of Normandy s most stunning communes and picture-postcard sceneries. Along the way, a number of optional trips are on offer including a visit to Claude Monet s elegant home, a fascinating tour of the landing beaches and a guided Parisian city walk. ITINERARY & DETAILS This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to Paris. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our river cruise. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance. Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner. Day 1: UK to Paris D. Depart the UK on your scheduled flight or Eurostar train to Paris. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your ship, MS Botticelli. Board your ship and enjoy a welcome cocktail. Day 2: Paris B/L/D. Explore Paris on a guided city tour, taking in the highlights synonymous with romance and elegance. Enjoy the city s timeless artistic treasures and architectural wonders, crowned by the iconic wrought-iron spire of the Eiffel Tower. Day 3: Paris to Duclair B/L/D. Today, enjoy a tour of the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny, where the house and gardens of the prolific artist are preserved. Later, sail towards the dramatic island castle of Mont Saint-Michel. Finish your day with an evening of on-board entertainment before you sail towards Duclair. Day 4: Duclair to Hornfleur B/L/D. Once in Duclair, spend the afternoon exploring the Norman Abbey Circuit, a circuit of over 35 abbeys, each unique in its architecture and beauty. Day 5: Hornfleur B/L/D. This morning, head out for a tour of Côte Fleurie (the aptly-named flowered coast ), to visit the Château du Breuil. Complete your tour with a wine tasting of the highly regarded Calvados. Day 6: Hornfleur to Rouen B/L/D. Arrive in Rouen for a tour of this engaging city, where Joan of Arc met her death. The city boasts a lovingly restored medieval quarter and a Gothic cathedral. Day 7: Rouen to Les Andelys B/L/D. Relax on board this morning before leaving for a tour of the majestic Martainville Château. End the day with a gala dinner and evening of entertainment. Day 8: Les Andelys to the UK B/L/D. Cruise back to Paris this morning where you will disembark, you will then be transferred for the return flight or Eurostar train back to the UK. Meals Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily are taken onboard the ship. Tables seat 6 people, so you ll be able to converse and socialise with new friends, whilst never feeling crowded together. Tea and coffee are available on board ship as well as unlimited soft drinks and alcoholic drinks, including a variety of wines and beer, both during meals and at the bar. (Premium brands are available at an extra cost). Any dietary requirements and dislikes should be made known to our reservations staff at the time of booking. On embarking the ship, you will be greeted by the captain, crew and staff and treated to welcome cocktails. 1
SHIP INFORMATION & ROUTE MAP Ship information - MS Renoir (6th October departure) With 78 comfortable cabins on offer, the MS Renoir s amenities also include a lounge bar, a spacious sundeck with deckchairs, library, gift shop and Wi-Fi on board. Both the upper and main decks feature large windows, so that you can enjoy the splendid views. Length: 110m long Cabins 78 cabins Facilities Width 11.40m wide Passengers: 158 passengers Lounge bar with a dance floor Bar Dining room Large sundeck Gift Shop Wi-Fi on board (FREE in lounge bar and reception) English Channel Honfleur France Caudebecen-Caux Deauville Duclair Rouen Vacœuil Vernon Giverny Les Andelys Seine r Paris < Train Air Boat The Cabins All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio and safe. Upper deck: 27 cabins (4 doubles (G), 23 twins) Main deck: 51 cabins (37 twins, 7 doubles (G), 4 triples (T), 2 single cabins (S), 1 suite). Final confirmation of your deck and cabin will be confirmed at booking. Please contact us if you have any queries. Twin Cabin Double Cabin 2
SHIP INFORMATION Ship information - MS Botticelli (April, May and August departures) Marvel at magnificent surroundings of the Seine Valley aboard the MS Botticelli, which hosts 75 well appointed and spacious cabins. The lounge and bar offer a tempting selection of drinks and the large sun deck is ideal for enjoying the ever-changing scenery. Length: 110m long Cabins 75 cabins Width 11.40m wide Passengers: 151 passengers Facilities Lounge bar with a dance floor Bar Dining room Large sundeck French balconies Wi-Fi on board (FREE in lounge bar and reception) The Cabins All cabins are equipped with shower and toilet, hairdryer, satellite TV, radio and safe. Upper deck: 24 cabins (22 twins, 1 double bed cabin (G), 1 disabled cabin (HA) ) Main deck: 51 cabins (46 twins, 4 double bed cabins (G), 1 suite) Final confirmation of your deck and cabin will be confirmed at booking. Please contact us if you have any queries. Twin Cabin Double Cabin WEATHER AND CLIMATE Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below. 3
WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR Visas A visa is not required for British nationals travelling to France. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding passport validity. Tour Guides Optional excursions are escorted by an experienced, English speaking guide. Tipping Tipping is at your discretion. There is an envelope in your cabin for these purpose that can be handed to reception at the end of your cruise. Currency Exchange The currency in France as well as on board is the Euro ( ). We recommend that you exchange you currency before you leave the UK, however cash machines are available in most towns and cities to withdraw money in the local currency. Personal Expenses This cruise is All-Inclusive, so you will only need to take a little extra money with you to cover any premium drinks on board and souvenirs, drinks and snacks purchased when off the ship, as well as any optional excursions you wish to book. Credit Card Information Credit cards are accepted on board ship and throughout France. Electricity Supply The electricity supply is 220V. You will need a European two pin round plug adapter in France. Health and Vaccinations It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic. Physical Accessibility This river cruise is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves moderate days of walking on cobble streets and getting on and off the cruise ship. This cruise is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties. Insurance We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote WK830 for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking. Itinerary Changes The Captain and Croisieurope reserve the right to alter/modify an itinerary at any time, should safety or external circumstances make this necessary, changes are also subject to tides. Some of the highlights may only be seen on optional excursions at an additional cost, or by exploring independently. DRESS CODE & WHAT TO PACK Dress Code There is no official dress code on board, however you ll be most comfortable during the day in smart casual clothing. You may wish to bring items that do not wrinkle easily as there is no iron provided on board ship. There are also no laundry facilities available. Bring a variety of clothing for the weather expected on your cruise, including light clothing and bathing suits for hot weather, a jumper or jacket for cooler weather and of course a raincoat and/or small umbrella. What to Pack Comfortable walking shoes such as trainers for sightseeing excursions Sun cream and a hat with a big brim for sunny days Sunglasses Ruck sack or light bag per person Personal toiletries Insect repellent Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc. FLIGHT/TRAIN INFORMATION Your flight is to Charles De Gaulle/Roissy Airport, Paris with British Airways (BA) departing from London Heathrow Terminal 5. IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure. Baggage Allowance Each passenger is entitled to 23KG of hold luggage plus 1 item of hand luggage not exceeding in size and 1 personal item such as a handbag, briefcase or laptop case. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check in. Check-In should be at least 2 hours before departure. Alternatively you, can take the train to Gare du Nord, Paris with Eurostar departing from London St. Pancras. Airport Extras If you wish to arrange Airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extra Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313. Please Note Your final mode of transport (train or plane) will be confirmed at booking. 4
ON YOUR ARRIVAL On your arrival in Paris you will be met by a representative from our local agent CroisiEurope, holding a sign displaying: Sunspot Tours. The Sunspot Tours/CroisiEurope representative will show you to your transfer vehicle and escort you to your boat. Emergency contact information Please find below the CroisiEurope emergency contact details for the MS Seine Princess: 00336 73 44 03 22 EMBARKING & DISEMBARKING Embarkation Time: Disembarkation Time: 6pm 9am If your arrival is before this time, you will be transferred to the docking area where you will be able to leave your luggage. You are then free to explore the city at your own pace until it is time to board your ship. BOARDING DETAILS Please see below for details of your boarding quay. Your cruise company is CroisiEurope. Please Note: In the unlikely event that your cruise does not operate, then you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available, should the alternative dates offered be unsuitable. 5